Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-03-08
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
A CHANGE FOR THE WORSE AT
8 O'CLOCK LAST NIGHT.

Disease POssible--The Patients Pres
ent Condition That of "a Troubled
Dream - Unopened kilograms Piling
Up-The Final Hour Uncertain.
NEW YORK, March 7.--Rev. Henry
Ward Beecher failed gradually during
last night. DR.. Searle lett Mr.. Beecher's
house at O'clock this morning. AT 9:55
O'Clock he called again and remained for
fifteen minutes. When he left he stated
that there was at that hour no change in
MIR, Beecher's condition as compared with
the early morning.
DR.. Searle said that Mr.. Beecher's
pulse and temperature were the same.
He was lying in state of coma and did
not move. His breathing was heavy and
quick and he was entirely unconscious,
although Mrs. Beecher thought this
morning that he recognized her when she
spoke to him. At times he raised his
right hand and placed 1t to his head. At
ii 10 O'Clock DR.. searle again returned to
the house. Before entering he said he
would issue bulletin at noen, but he
erS condition. His life was slowly ebb-
Ing away, and from the reports OF those
who had seen Mr.. Beeoher it was evident
that the end was not far off.
HIS CONDITION AT NOON.
AT noon the only changes perceptible
were an increase in the raplditY of mis-
pulse and respirations. These stood, re-
spectively. 10S and SO to 3S per minute.
The respiration was also more shallow.
His temperature reached 10l degrees.
These symptoms indicated gradua al
failure of vitality, which had been antici-
pated, and the consequent slow approach b
OF the end. This course of disease oan
only be changed by the occurrence OF a
fresh hemorrhage, an accident which may
or may not happen, and the time of which
cannot be surmised.
A large number of kilograms were re-
ceived during the day. but none OF these
have been opened, and Col. Beecher
stated that no arrangement had yet been
made to give them to the press.
GROWING WORSE.
The physicians bulletin at O'Clock to-
night said that in general it might be
said that Mr.. Beecher's condition was
worse than at any previous time. The
character OF his pulse was changed, and
was dycrOtic and tumultuous, indicating K
a failure of the heart power. The respira-
tions had increased in frequency, and
were more Impeded by greater accumu-
latiOns of mucus trechea than yesterday,
though not to so great degree as on Sat
urday forenoon, The temperature. taken
every two hours, has not been the
same on any two successive occa.
sions. 1t is impossible to conclude
with any approach to certainty whether
death will come by asphyXia, from fail
ure of the respiratory centres, or from
paralysis of the heart, or both, or, as be.
fore stated, from recurrence of hemor-
rhage. 1t is therefore obviously impos-
sible to indicate the probable line of the
termination OF the disease. 1t is, how
ever, the opinion OF the physician that
the limit will not be reached tonight. 1t
is unnecessary to add that Mr.. Beeeher
Is entirely unconscious and suffers no
pain. Doubtless his condition is that OF
one in troubled dream.
MEETING OF THE PARIsHIoNERs.
A meeting of the parishioners OF
Plymouth church was held in the lecture
room this evening, The room was
crowded with male and female mem bers
Of the congregation and not few friends
from other churches, and there was
scarcely a dry eye to be seen from the
beginning to the end Of the proceedings.
The following letter from Mrs. Beecher
was read:
To the Beloged Members of Plymouth ChuYc1
| cannot speak my thanks to each one of you
Tor the sympathy ana love ana devotion IN AMI
tested in these last dark, sad days for your
pastor. He can no longer speak to you for
himself. Then permit me to do it for him for
myself for my family. Each word of love
from people SO dear to your pastors heart
has been comfort and balm 10 heart wrung
almost to bursting.
How he loved his church you will only learn
its fullness when you stand with him in
heaven. To each and every one OF you my
earnest thanks and most earnest blessing.
Pray for his wife and children, soon to lose
the truest companion, tenderest father, and
il we must relinquIsh all possible hope of his
full recovery oh, beloved, pray that his de-
parture may be speedy. that we may not long
be agonized by this struggle between life and
death. Pray If he must leave lis that before
another day dawns he may receive his crown
and be forever with his Lord.
EUNICE n. BEECHER.
The meeting closed with benediction
pronounced by Mr.. Beecher's assistant,
Rev. Halliday. Another similar meeting
will be held there tomorrow night.
The last issue Of bulletins was made at
10 O'Clock tonight and was as follows:
Mr.. Beecher is slowly failing, but we do
not think he will die tonight.
W. 8. SEARLB, MD.
At 1O:30 O'Clock the house was closed
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